Little Minnie, you were returned to the pet shop because you were sick. We took you in because no one deserves to treated like mere merchandise. No, your health does not dictate your worth, our little girl.

When we first laid eyes on you, you were coughing uncontrollably, you barely ate and could hardly even stand at all. When we looked into your eyes, we saw hope in you. Yes, you were sick, but it didn’t make us love you any less.

We spent weeks taking care of you, the medical bills skyrocketed, but it didn’t bother us… as long as we did what we could to bring your health back. You deserved a shot at life.

Your cough went away a day or two after we took you home. It made us so, so happy. But weeks went by, the virus just got worse despite the intensive verterinary care you were under. The seizures got worse, affecting your right leg first. Eventually taking over your entire body. We were crying, holding on, but at the same time, losing hope little by little.

There was just that one, perfect day when you stood up and walked like a healthy pup. You struggled to walk towards us, although clumsily and slow, every step was a miracle for us. We thought that maybe, just maybe, you were getting better. That day we felt like nothing was wrong in the world.

No. We didn’t put you up for adoption because we knew no one could love you much more than we do. With all the effort, smiles and tears over the past four weeks, you became part of our family.

We had plans when you get better. We were going to cuddle with you on cold, rainy nights. We were ready to shower you with love and treats, too. Just the way we know you’d like it.

Your test results came in recently, and it confirmed our worst fears, our hopes were shattered. Over the following weeks the virus just got stronger and it became too much for your little body to take… You fought so hard, baby girl, you were so, so brave. You were so resilient in your battle against distemper, you held on to us and showed us that you were fighting to have a life with us too.

…until today. You said goodbye to us. We sat on the floor crying for hours beside you. We cried for you and all the things we hoped to do together. We loved you so much, little girl. The pain was far beyond words, but we regret nothing when we took you home and cared for you, helped you fight for as long as we could.

That perfect day when you tried to walk just so you could to snuggle with us, how you gobbled down your food like you were a regular healthy pup and the moment you looked at us with hope. Memories of you will be in our hearts forever…

We are so, so sorry if everything we did was not enough to make you stronger. We just hope that all the love we gave was enough for you to experience the kind of love you truly deserve…even just for a little while.

Little one, you are not a merchandise. Your health and appearance does not dictate your worth. We love you just as you are, with sickness and all.

That night we took you home, we didn’t want to give you a name. Because we know when we start loving you, there would be no end. Eventually, we named you “Minnie” because of your adorably large ears…right then and there we knew loved you.

You loved us back and you fought so hard. Rest well, our love, our little Minnie. We love you, so, so much….

How time flies! It’s been such a long time since I last wrote. December has been a month for last-minute 2015 memories and adventures, for me. Oh! Before I forget, I’d like to take this chance and this post to greet you all (albeit very late) a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! 🙂

Before 2015 came to a close, we figured it would be a wonderful way to end the year with new memories. I thought it would be a good time to refer to my bucket list!

One of the few items on it are:

A visit to the Pinto Art Museum

Relaxed brunch at Rustic Mornings by Isabelo.

…and so we became adventurers!

The abundance of malls in Manila get tiresome after a while. Being a nature person, the city scene not quite the place to be. So we set out on an adventure, in search for a quiet respite from city living.

The one and a half hour (WAZE-less) drive to Antipolo became worth it, after witnessing the beauty of the Pinto Art Museum.

Captivated by the rustic and mysterious ambiance of the museum.

The building housing ancient Filipino sculptures and figures.

Situated among hectares of lush greenery, the small buildings’ architecture is reminiscent to that of Santorini.

A little church, beautiful both inside and out.

Yup, I’m particularly fond of this balcony! You could see the entire place from high up. You don’t see this much greenery in the city. Nature lovers, this is the place to be.

The museum holds endless artworks from various Filipino artists: Paintings, String art, Installations and Sculptures. I stand in awe, marveling at the beauty that human hands can create.

My comedian over here…

..and my emotions right there.

The biggest painting I have ever laid my eyes on. Beautiful. Amazing.

A stroll through the museum was an adventure in itself, by the end of the tour, our stomachs were begging for a good meal!

So, I thought of the second item on my bucket list, Rustic Mornings!

Artsy-fartsy friends, this is the perfect place for a quiet brunch. 🙂

I don’t normally take photos of food, do you think I should start to? I suppose the food and the ambiance here, is something that would be best experienced first hand. 😉

2015 did end wonderfully, in the presence of both friends and family. These two places topped it off really well, too. The year has been full of both laughter and sadness, both trials and victories too. With new memories and new lessons learned last 2015, I can’t even begin to imagine what 2016 has in store for me.

There is always beauty for those who take time to look around. It’s still a lesson for me to learn to see the beauty in everything. It takes practice, it may even takes years, but when our eyes are open, I believe life CAN really be pretty amazing.

I was tagged in a post recently to share some things about myself with the topic “20 Things You Might Not Know About Me”. Aside from SnapperDoodles, I’m just a regular person going through life – one step at a time. But brace yourself for some of the most random things on this post! 😛

Hope these fun facts would help you get to know me a little better!

Here goes!

Question 1: How tall are you?

Hmm… I’m 5’2! I’m usually one the first few in front when we are asked to line up by height. I get teased a lot because of it but it has it’s advantages too! Right, fellow petites? No need to duck when going through low ceilings and oftentimes people think you look younger than your age! -Yes! Find the blessing in everything! 🙂

Question 2: What is the first thing you notice about people?

I’m not sure if it’s odd, but I’m more fond of people who know how to smile. When I walk into a room, I smile, and the first people I notice are the ones who smile back. It’s a big thing for me.

Question 3: What’s your motto in life?

Everything happens for a reason.

Instead of complaining about present circumstances, this quote helps me stay optimistic no matter how gray the skies may be.

Question 4: What upcoming events are you looking forward to?

I was invited to Filstar’s Mom and Me Craft Event in Market, Market Manila this coming May 24, 2015. In this digital age, I’m still in awe of how far Arts and Crafts has come back to show us the beauty of everything handmade with love!

I’m also pysched for the upcoming Global Pinoy Bazaar this August which might be my final bazaar in Rockwell! I’m getting lots of new products ready for everyone especially lettering and typography enthusiasts. All of my designs are hand-drawn and produced into different products such as QuoteBags, Magnets, Notebooks and more! Can’t wait for the big day!

Question 5: What’s your favorite song?

I’ve been going through a lot recently, and the song that keeps playing in my head is “Christ is Enough”. This song has helped me through the best and the worst in life, reminding me every time that when I have the Lord, I will never be in lack.

CHRIST IS ENOUGH (Hillsongs)

Christ my all in all
The joy of my salvation
And this hope will never fail
Heaven is our home

Through every storm
My soul will sing
Jesus is here
To God be the glory

I have decided to follow Jesus
No turning back
No turning back

The cross before me
The world behind me
No turning back
No turning back

Christ is enough for me
Christ is enough for meEverything I need is in You
Everything I need

Question 6: What did you want to be when you were small?

Hahaha! This made me recall some funny childhood memories!

When I was in 3rd grade, I was a blossoming little entrepreneur selling Pokemon stickers to my classmates. Ever since I was a kid I knew that the office was not my place, and I found joy in selling random things from mints, to stickers and even my artworks.

My ambition shifted later on during fifth grade. I watched a UFO Documentary on Discovery Channel which began my desire to become a UFO Researcher someday! (Well, that was way, way back in elementary!)

The perfect me-time would be spending a rainy afternoon in a dimly-lit cafe, sitting next to a window and thinking about anything under the sun while I draw on my notebook…and of course while drinking a cup of steaming hot coffee!

Question 8: What’s your favorite junk food?

I was raised in a family of healthy-eaters, junk food, namely, chips and softdrinks have never been a household staple. But if there would be one thing that I could never say no to? Vanilla Ice Cream. Plain. Simple. Sinfully delicious.

Question 9: Do you have a pet or pets? If so, what kind and what are their names?

I’m a dog-lover! I have two poodle babies at home named Tuffy and Patchi.

For me, doggy kisses and furry cuddles are some of the best things in the world!

Question 10: What are the things you never leave home without?

Aside from the essentials, I always make sure to bring my earphones! The funny thing is, on rare occasions I forget my comb and handkerchief but I never, ever leave home without my pen and my handy-dandy notebook!

…because who knows when inspiration will strike? 🙂

Question 11: What’s your favorite beauty product?

I’m not so fond of make-up, but on days when I have to look my best (for workshops, meetings, special events…and dates!) I use BB Cream, Concealer, Eyeliner and a little blush! Maybe I’m just lazy, but simple is good enough for me. 🙂

Question 12: What is/art your favorite novel/s?

Hmmm. Being a bookworm, I’ve read a handful of books in the past. But here is a list of my top 5 favorite reads!

1. P.S I Love You (Cecelia Ahern)

2. The Shack (WM Paul Young)

3. Have a Little Faith (Mitch Albom)

4. Everlost Series (Neal Shusterman)

5. A Walk to Remember (Nicholas Sparks)

Question 13: Name some of the things on your bucket list this 2015.

Wow, I have a lot on my bucket list this year!

1. To try all of the Cafe’s in Manila! Coffee Shops are the ultimate artist’s chill corner.

2. To keep pursuing SnapperDoodles and expand the line of products I have 🙂

3. To never stop learning something new!

Question 14: What’s your favorite movie?

I don’t have a favorite movie! But there are some that I could never forget (because they are some of the few movies that brought me to tears!) I love The Notebook and A Walk to Remember, because these have made me believe that someday I will love someone, and be loved just the same. Being a dog-lover, another movie that I could watch all over again is Hachiko. Wasn’t Hachi the sweetest little thing? Lastly, The Miracle in Cell No. 7. I thank God for this movie, through this I have witnessed a concrete example of Jesus’ love and death for us.

Question 15: What were you in high school: prom queen, nerd, cheerleader, jock, valedictorian, band geek, loner, artist, prep?

Back in high school, I’d say I’m the artist. I used to be insecure about not having a permanent group of friends, but looking back, I wouldn’t have it any other way 🙂

Question 16: If you could live anywhere in the world, where would you live?

I’ve been to some countries and I find it so hard to choose. Every country I have set foot on has it’s own beauty and appeal. However, since I was a kid, I’ve always wanted to live in Europe. I know the cost of living is steep and it’s hard to get around, but the place is the best of both worlds for me: Europe is rich with art, culture and nature. It has everything I need to thrive and to grow both as an independent person and as an artist.

I was exhausted after the 21-hour travel back to Manila. When I stepped into my room I noticed an enormous, pink, stuffed teddy bear on my bed with a bouquet of roses. He left it there for me to surprise me when I got home.

I was physically drained, but I smiled from ear to ear and my heart did a happy dance!

Question 19: Do you have a phobia?

Acrophobia- The fear of heights.

Katsaridaphobia- The fear of cockroaches. 😦

Question 20: Name a few weird things about yourself.

I know a lot of weird things about myself, but here are a few:

1. I play Counter Strike! I know it’s a boy thing, but hey, it’s fun!

2. I’m a workaholic to the point that I feel bad when I don’t do anything productive for the day.

3. I’m not English but I love tea. I often drink tea after every meal.

4. I don’t like cinnamon..but I have exceptions. Cinammon Rolls from Cinnabon. Weird right?

5. I get thirsty a lot.I can drink 2-3 Liters of water a day, much more when I have a game of badminton!

6. I am a wallflower.

I hope you enjoyed reading these random facts about me! Haha I just thought it would be great to share that there is more to SnapperDoodles than just lettering and art. 🙂

Feel free to share 20 things about yourself and tag me so I could get to know you too!

My first mural painting for a baby’s room on April 2015 was such a fun project! The mother and the father-to-be requested the designs to be playful and cute, apart from these specifications, there was a lot of room to get creative! So excuse the blue giraffe and the funny flying sheep on the side, it’s always good to think out of the box sometimes! Though I do hope the baby wouldn’t think that giraffes are really blue…and that sheep can look like clouds and fly.

A toucan perched on one of the branches, as requested by the father-to-be.

Despite the intense summer heat, painting on walls have been a breath of fresh air, trying something new for a change. This project took approximately 8-9 hours, but time surely flies when you’re having fun! 🙂Here is the completed wall painting, I’m really excited to see how it looks like with the crib and the rest of the decor. What would really breathe life to this artwork is the baby that’s coming soon!

Admittedly, I haven’t had much time to create new lettering artworks nowadays, so I figured I might post something different!

Recently, in an interview, I’ve been asked about what it’s like working in a “different” setting. It gave me an idea to give a quick tour around here! Oh! Just in case you were wondering, it’s not a legit “studio”, it’s just my happy place, my work space a.k.a the attic.

When I began the design for the studio, I couldn’t stick with one theme for my room. I wanted something modern, yet I also tend to go for a more rustic feel. I have a thing for florals and pastels, but white seemed to be a “cleaner” alternative. There are so many things I wanted for a space to call my own, but because of my indecisiveness, eventually I stopped thinking about how to do it, and just let the room transform itself.

Being the DIY-er that I am, I wanted to repaint my boring black swivel chair. I chose bright yellow as it matches my closet (not shown in photos). I thought it might look cute with a little “drippy” ice cream effect on the top.

When we started renovating the house, my old room was turned into an office so I had to share a room with my siblings. It took half a year before the portion of the attic was completed. For the longest time, I’ve always wanted white wall where I could stick colorful postcards and artworks. Here it finally is, my own inspiration wall. 🙂 The best part about it is how it began as a bare, white wall and is constantly growing into a colorful mosaic of memories.

My work space pretty much looks like this on most days. Notebooks scattered everywhere. I have several notebooks that I use on a daily basis: Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf Planner, Muji notebook and a To-Do List Notebook. I’m such an OC freak, I don’t think I can survive working without planners, post-it’s, calendars and lists!

Music. My work area is never complete without some tunes. Nope, my bluetooth speaker isn’t top of the line or anything, but I’m happy with what I’ve got. Spotify is another creative workplace staple.

Why do I have so many pen holders? I segregate my brushes, tech pens and colored pens. I’m OC that way. Haha!

Aside from the notebooks I use everyday, I have some lined up on my table, too.

I saw the tiny macaron photo holder while browsing through a store the other day. It was pricey for such a little thing, but it was so cute, I couldn’t resist!

I designed this shelf myself, its construction took a while, but it was definitely worth the wait. I just wanted a place where I could store little, yet significant mementos. The little cat figurines are from my recent trip to Japan. The blue Eiffel Tower on the upper shelf is from Paris. The porcelain cupcake is a memory from my first job after graduation. Next to this is a mini canvas which I bought from Guam, the brown bracelet hanging from it is a handmade craft from Istorya. Last but not the least, the Instax on the topmost shelf was a gift from someone close to my heart.

My attic isn’t the best “studio” there is, but it’s what I’ve got and it’s my own happy place. It took a while to bring together, but it made me learn to value the PROCESS that had brought it to its completion. When life seems like a bare, white wall, trust the process and see how things will unfold in His perfect time. Life has been teaching me the value of PATIENCE these days, but I’ll save that for a different post. 🙂

There is no such thing as a messy workplace. If that is where you are comfortable, where you feel most free to be yourself and to spread your wings, that is YOUR creative space, let no one take that freedom from you.